Rotationplasty is one of many options for treatment of a large skeletal defect after removal of a malignant bone tumor (osteosarcoma or Ewing’s sarcoma). A tumor in the lower end of the femur (thigh bone) or top portion of the tibia (leg bone) in a very young child with significant growth remaining is an ideal candidate for considering this reconstruction method. An above knee amputation is one option for malignant tumors about the knee but with modern imaging, chemotherapy and surgical technique most (95%) patients can be treated with a resection and then some form of reconstruction. Once a large portion of the skeleton is remove the large defect needs to be filled. Other options for reconstruction include metal prosthetics or large bulk allografts (cadaver bone) or a combination of both. With a child who has years of growth left any reconstruction with graft or metal obligates them to multiple surgeries until they reach skeletal maturity (stop growing) and beyond. To learn more about rotationplasty watch the videos below.
Ideal patient for Rotationplasty:
Very young patient: 6-10 years of age with significant skeletal growth remaining
Large tumor around the knee
Desire to maintain an active lifestyle and continue to play sports after surgery
http://www.gainesvilleprosthetics.com/videos/videoplayer.swf?videoFile=sean.flv&autoPlay=true
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njJUcTbR2SY
